Loon Update

2024, No. 03                            July 5th

Loon Update

Up until July 4th our Loon parents were still taking turns tending their egg. They had been doing so for 43 days, although normal incubation is around 28 days. We had been in contact with the Loon Preservation Committee (LPC) about whether the egg should be collected and perhaps the new male banded. It seemed unlikely to all that a chick would hatch after so many days.

Male incubating the egg two days ago.

Jen checked the nest on July 4th and found no loon or egg on it. We notified LPC and told them we would try to locate the egg.

This morning Jon searched the nesting cove and found the egg in the water near shore. It will be given to LPC for inspection. The pair were relaxing and preening at the cove entrance. They visited the nest briefly and headed out on the Lake.

Female cleaning her belly.

We have no idea why the egg failed to hatch and it is unlikely that they will try again this season. If they do we will let you know.

There seem to be 4 adult loons on the lake, our pair and two others. The other two have interacted with our pair regularly. The last time we observed them near the Cove (below) they and our female were together. The seemed to be relaxed but still did the Circle Dance with no resulting fight. The other loons could be another pair, former offspring, or just young adults.

We hope our pair stay together and will miss the opportunity to present you with a summer of photos of them raising a chick. We will keep you informed of what our loons are doing as well as exploring what else is going on around the Lake and its watershed. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend. Keep an eye out for the Loons when boating and please avoid fishing near them. We would hate to have to report on another Loon loss this summer.

Bye for now… Jon and Jen

Text and Photographs by Jen Esten and Jon Waage